Medvedev survives meltdown, Fritz cruises into Australian open third round

Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion and two-time Australian Open finalist, survived a dramatic second-set meltdown to advance to the third round of the 2024 Australian Open. Meanwhile, American Taylor Fritz continued his impressive form, cruising to a comfortable victory and setting up a tantalizing clash in the next round.

Medvedev, seeded third, faced a stern test against Australian John Millman, a seasoned competitor known for his tenacious play and unwavering spirit. The Russian started strong, dictating play with his powerful serve and flat groundstrokes, securing the first set with relative ease. However, the second set witnessed a complete shift in momentum, as Medvedev’s composure deserted him.

Frustration boiled over for Medvedev after a series of disputed line calls and perceived delays. He engaged in heated exchanges with the chair umpire, receiving a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. His focus visibly wavered, leading to a string of unforced errors and allowing Millman to seize the opportunity. The Australian capitalized on Medvedev’s lapse, raising his level and clinching the second set to level the match.

The third set saw a more composed Medvedev emerge. He regained his focus, minimizing errors and reasserting his dominance from the baseline. He broke Millman’s serve decisively and maintained control to take the set. The fourth set proved to be a tighter affair, with both players exchanging fierce rallies. However, Medvedev’s experience and superior firepower ultimately prevailed, securing him the match 7-5, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.

“It was a tough match,” Medvedev admitted after the match. “John [Millman] is a great fighter, and he really made me work for it. I lost my focus a bit in the second set, which is something I need to work on. But I’m happy to get through and be in the third round.”

While Medvedev endured a rollercoaster ride, Taylor Fritz, the ninth seed, delivered a clinical performance against French qualifier Quentin Halys. Fritz showcased his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, dictating the tempo from the outset. He consistently put pressure on Halys’ serve, creating numerous break point opportunities.

Fritz’s serve proved to be a formidable weapon, consistently delivering high-velocity serves that Halys struggled to handle. He also displayed impressive court coverage and precise groundstrokes, keeping Halys on the defensive throughout the match. Fritz secured a comfortable victory in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3), demonstrating his readiness for the later stages of the tournament.

“I’m really happy with how I played today,” Fritz said after his win. “I served well and felt like I was in control of the match. Quentin [Halys] is a good player, so I knew I had to be sharp. I’m looking forward to the next round.”

With both Medvedev and Fritz advancing, the stage is set for a highly anticipated third-round encounter between the two. This will be their first meeting on the professional tour, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match. Medvedev’s experience and consistency will be tested against Fritz’s raw power and aggressive style.

The Medvedev-Fritz clash promises to be a captivating contest, with both players possessing the weapons to cause significant damage. Medvedev’s ability to absorb pace and counterpunch effectively will be a key factor, while Fritz will look to dictate play with his serve and forehand.